Cover picture: Ruth and Boaz bring baby Obed to Naomi

• Song 124 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Betrayal​—How Contemptible!”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Jg 16:1-3​—How are we to understand these verses? (w05 3/15 27 ¶6)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Jg 16:18-31 (th study 10)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Initial Call: God Cares​—Mt 10:29-31. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. (th study 3)

• Initial Call: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and introduce (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 9)

• Song 131

• The Bible Saved Our Marriage: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: Which Bible principles helped each couple to save their marriage? How did restoring a good spiritual routine help them? Why must couples not give up in combating marital problems? Where can couples seek spiritual help?​—Jas 5:14, 15.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 18 ¶9-15, box 18A

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 149 and Prayer

Delilah was tempted to betray Samson for money (Jg 16:4, 5; w12 4/15 8 ¶4)

Delilah nagged Samson until he revealed his secret (Jg 16:15-18; w05 1/15 27 ¶5)

Christians must show loyalty in the family and in the congregation (1Th 2:10; w12 4/15 11-12 ¶15-16)

Jehovah rewards those who remain loyal.​—Ps 18:25, 26.

• Song 88 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Disobeying God’s Law Leads to Problems”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Jg 19:18​—Why was the name Jehovah included here in the 2013 revision of the New World Translation? (w15 12/15 10 ¶6)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Jg 17:1-13 (th study 2)

• Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: God Cares​—Jer 29:11. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. (th study 6)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and start a Bible study in lesson 01. (th study 13)

• Song 89

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Obey Your Parents: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then, if possible, ask selected young children: How did Caleb disobey his mom? How did he help to fix his mistake? Why should you obey your parents?

• Local Needs: (5 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 18 ¶16-25

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 150 and Prayer

Micah stole money from his mother (Jg 17:1, 2)

Micah practiced idolatry and bypassed Jehovah’s tabernacle and priesthood (Jg 17:4, 5, 12; it-2 390-391)

Micah eventually was left with nothing (Jg 18:24-26; it-2 391 ¶2)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How have I experienced the benefits of obeying Jehovah?’

• Song 47 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Keep Inquiring of Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Jg 20:16​—How were slings used in ancient warfare? (w14 5/1 11 ¶4-6)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Jg 20:1-13 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 5)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Introduce (but do not play) the video Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Who Are We? (th study 17)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 03 intro and points 1-3 (th study 4)

• Song 5

• “Creation Strengthens Our Trust in Jehovah’s Wisdom”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the videos Was It Designed? How Do Ants Avoid Traffic Jams? and Was It Designed? The Bumblebee’s Flight Control. Encourage the audience to review the “Was It Designed?” series on jw.org during family worship.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr section 5, chap. 19 ¶1-6, intro video, box 19A

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 87 and Prayer

The Israelites repeatedly asked Jehovah for direction (Jg 20:17, 18, 23; w11 9/15 32 ¶2)

The Israelites finally relied fully on Jehovah to help them clear his name of reproach (Jg 20:26-28)

We must continue to seek Jehovah’s guidance and rely on him completely (Jg 20:35; Lu 11:9; w11 9/15 32 ¶4)

ASK YOURSELF: ‘When facing a trial, do I immediately turn to Jehovah? Do I repeatedly look to him for wisdom and guidance?’

Does Jehovah always know what is best for us? Absolutely! Believing this, we show wisdom when we follow his direction. (Pr 16:3, 9) However, our trust in his guidance may be tested when it differs from our own thinking. We can strengthen our trust in Jehovah’s wisdom by meditating on his creative works.​—Pr 30:24, 25; Ro 1:20.

WATCH THE VIDEO WAS IT DESIGNED? HOW DO ANTS AVOID TRAFFIC JAMS? AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What is the daily routine of most ants?

• How do ants prevent traffic jams?

• What principles of their traffic flow would humans do well to imitate?

WATCH THE VIDEO WAS IT DESIGNED? THE BUMBLEBEE’S FLIGHT CONTROL, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What challenges do humans have when flying small aircraft?

• How does the bumblebee maintain flight stability?

• How may humans someday benefit from the instinctive wisdom of the bumblebee?

What evidence of Jehovah’s wisdom have you seen in creation where you live?

• Song 108 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Pursue Loyal Love”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ru 1:20, 21​—Why did Naomi say that Jehovah had made her life bitter? (w05 3/1 27 ¶1)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ru 1:1-17 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 12)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Introduce (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 9)

• Talk: (5 min.) ia 43-44 ¶5-9​—Theme: What Makes a Family? (th study 20)

• Song 54

• “Be Assured of Jehovah’s Loyal Love”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video 2019 Coordinators’ Committee Report.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 19 ¶7-15

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 97 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to Ruth.]

Naomi urged Orpah and Ruth to return to Moab (Ru 1:8-13; w16.02 14 ¶5)

Ruth refused to abandon Naomi and Jehovah (Ru 1:16, 17; w16.02 14 ¶6)

Loyal love is motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. Jehovah demonstrates loyal love to his faithful servants. (Ps 63:3) We too should show loyal love to others.​—Pr 21:21.

Jehovah views you as precious. (Isa 43:4) He has drawn you to him and his organization. As a result of your dedication and baptism, you belong to Jehovah. He will take care of you as his special property, even when times are tough. He will show loyal love to you through his organization.​—Ps 25:10.

We can deepen our appreciation for Jehovah’s loyal love by reviewing how his organization has responded to natural disasters in recent times.

WATCH THE VIDEO 2019 COORDINATORS’ COMMITTEE REPORT, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  How has the Coordinators’ Committee prepared branch offices around the world to respond to disasters?

• 

  How did Jehovah’s organization provide direction and disaster relief in Indonesia and Nigeria?

• 

  What have you appreciated about the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Song 39 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Establish and Maintain a Good Reputation”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ru 4:6​—In what way could a repurchaser “ruin” his own inheritance by doing the repurchasing? (w05 3/1 29 ¶3)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ru 4:7-22 (th study 5)

• “Increase Your Joy in the Ministry​—Help Bible Students to Attend Meetings”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Help Your Bible Students to Attend Meetings.

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 03 point 4 (th study 8)

• Song 24

• Local Needs: (15 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 19 ¶16-21, box 19B

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 144 and Prayer

Ruth acted out of consideration for others (Ru 3:10; w12 10/1 22 ¶5)

Ruth was well-known as “an excellent woman” (Ru 3:11; w12 10/1 23 ¶1)

Jehovah took note of Ruth’s good qualities and blessed her (Ru 4:11-13; w12 10/1 24 ¶3)

List some good qualities that you would like to be known for.

Congregation meetings are a vital part of pure worship. (Ps 22:22) All who gather to worship Jehovah find joy and blessings. (Ps 65:4) Bible students usually progress more rapidly when they attend meetings regularly.

How can you help your Bible students to attend meetings? Keep inviting them to attend. Show them the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? Explain the benefits of the meetings. (lff lesson 10) You might share a specific point that you have learned at a meeting or preview what will be discussed at an upcoming meeting. Give your students the publications that will be used. Also, offer practical help. Maybe they need a ride. Any effort you make will be well worth it when your student attends a meeting for the first time.​—1Co 14:24, 25.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION HELP YOUR BIBLE STUDENTS TO ATTEND MEETINGS, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  What opportunity did Neeta use to invite Jade to a congregation meeting?

• 

  Why do we find joy when a Bible student attends meetings?

• 

  What did Jade experience when she attended her first meeting?

• Song 44 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Open Your Heart to Jehovah in Prayer”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 2:10​—Why did Hannah pray that Jehovah “give power to his king” when there was no human king over Israel? (w05 3/15 21 ¶5)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) 1Sa 1:1-18 (th study 12)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 3)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and briefly consider “How to Get the Most Out of These Bible Lessons.” (th study 20)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 03 point 5 (th study 13)

• Song 133

• “Young Ones​—Open Your Heart to Your Parents”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video My Teen Life​—How Can I Talk to My Parents?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 20 ¶1-8, intro video

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 113 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to 1 Samuel.]

Hannah prayed at length to Jehovah (1Sa 1:10, 12, 15; ia 55 ¶12)

Hannah left her problems in Jehovah’s hands (1Sa 1:18; w07 3/15 16 ¶4)

When we pour out our heart before Jehovah, we can trust that he will strengthen and sustain us.​—Ps 55:22; 62:8.

Why should you try to share your thoughts openly with your parents? (Pr 23:26) Because Jehovah has charged them with caring for you and guiding you. (Ps 127:3, 4) It would be hard for them to help you if you kept all your cares and worries concealed from them. Also, you would miss out on the practical experience that they have gained in life. Is it wrong to keep some thoughts to yourself? Not necessarily​—as long as you are not deceitful.​—Pr 3:32.

How can you talk to your parents? Try picking a time that is good for you and them. If that is a challenge, you could write one of them a letter to share your feelings. What if they want to talk about a subject that you prefer not to discuss? Remember that they really want to help. Think of your parents as allies, not enemies. The effort you put forth to communicate openly with your parents will benefit you for the rest of your life​—everlasting life!​—Pr 4:10-12.

WATCH THE VIDEO MY TEEN LIFE​—HOW CAN I TALK TO MY PARENTS? AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  What did Esther and Partik come to recognize about themselves?

• 

  What can you learn from Jesus’ example?

• 

  How have your parents shown that they care for you?

• 

  What Bible principles could help you talk to your parents?

• Song 1 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Jehovah Is Considerate”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 3:3​—How do we know that Samuel did not sleep in the Most Holy? (w05 3/15 21 ¶6)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) 1Sa 3:1-18 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a Bible study using the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 11)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and start a Bible study in lesson 01. (th study 15)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 03 point 6 (th study 14)

• Song 30

• “Lessons From Samuel’s Life”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Learn From Them​—Samuel.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 20 ¶9-17, box 20A

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 99 and Prayer

Samuel thought that Eli was calling him (1Sa 3:4-7; w18.09 24 ¶3)

Jehovah made it clear that He was calling Samuel (1Sa 3:8, 9)

Jehovah showed kind consideration for young Samuel (1Sa 3:15-18; w18.09 24 ¶4)

ASK YOURSELF: ‘In what ways can I show consideration for younger ones and older ones? How can I show consideration for others at Christian meetings?’

Samuel remained faithful to Jehovah throughout his life. As a boy, he refused to become corrupt like Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas. (1Sa 2:22-26) Samuel continued growing up, and Jehovah remained with him. (1Sa 3:19) As an older man, he continued to walk in Jehovah’s way, even though his sons did not.​—1Sa 8:1-5.

What can Samuel’s example teach us? If you are a young person, be confident that Jehovah understands the challenges you face and how you feel. He can help you to be courageous. (Isa 41:10, 13) If you are a parent whose child has gone astray, find comfort in knowing that Samuel could not force his adult sons to remain loyal to Jehovah’s standards. While leaving the matter in Jehovah’s hands, he maintained his own integrity and pleased his heavenly Father, Jehovah. Perhaps your good example will move your child to return to Jehovah.

WATCH THE VIDEO LEARN FROM THEM​—SAMUEL, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  How did Samuel show courage as a boy?

• 

  How did Danny show courage?

• 

  How did Samuel set a good example as an older man?

• 

  How did Danny’s parents set a good example?

• Song 9 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Who Is Your King?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 7:3​—What does this verse teach us about conversion and repentance? (w02 4/1 12 ¶13)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) 1Sa 7:1-14 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a magazine to address a topic raised by the householder. (th study 12)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Invite the person to our meetings. (th study 18)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 03 summary, review, and goal (th study 20)

• Song 28

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• Will You Serve as an Auxiliary Pioneer in March or April?: (5 min.) Discussion based on the article appearing in the January-February 2021 issue of the Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook, page 16.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 21 ¶1-6, intro video, box 21A

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 35 and Prayer

The Israelites presumptuously requested a human king (1Sa 8:4, 5; it-2 163 ¶1)

The Israelites were not content to have Jehovah as their invisible Ruler (1Sa 8:7, 8; w11 1/1 27 ¶1)

Jehovah warned them of the consequences of their request (1Sa 8:9, 18; w10 1/15 30 ¶9)

Jehovah has always exercised his sovereignty over all his creation. His rulership is kind and dignifies his subjects. Our obeying and supporting his rulership will result in eternal blessings.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How am I showing in my personal life that I submit to Jehovah’s way of ruling?’

• Song 121 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Saul Started Out Humble and Modest”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 9:9​—What might these words have signified? (w05 3/15 22 ¶8)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) 1Sa 9:1-10 (th study 5)

• “Increase Your Joy in the Ministry​—Help Bible Students to Avoid Bad Associations”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Help Your Bible Students to Avoid Bad Associations.

• Talk: (5 min.) w15 4/15 6-7 ¶16-20​—Theme: Keys to Training Others With Success. (th study 19)

• Song 37

• Annual Service Report: (15 min.) Talk by an elder. After reading the announcement from the branch office regarding the annual service report, interview publishers, selected in advance, who had encouraging experiences in the ministry during the past year.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 21 ¶7-12

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 123 and Prayer

Saul was modest and hesitated to accept the kingship (1Sa 9:21; 10:20-22; w20.08 10 ¶11)

Saul did not act rashly when others spoke negatively of him (1Sa 10:27; 11:12, 13; w14 3/15 9 ¶8)

Saul responded to the leadings of Jehovah’s holy spirit (1Sa 11:5-7; w95 12/15 10 ¶1)

Humility will help us to view our privileges and abilities as gifts from Jehovah. (Ro 12:3, 16; 1Co 4:7) Also, if we are humble, we will continue to rely on Jehovah for guidance.

To gain Jehovah’s friendship, Bible students must select good associates. (Ps 15:1, 4) Good associates will influence them to do what is right.​—Pr 13:20; lff lesson 48.

When helping your Bible students to avoid bad associations, be empathetic. They may struggle to give up friends in the world. Therefore, show genuine personal interest in them between Bible studies. This may involve a text message, a phone call, or a short visit. As your students progress, you can include them in association with God’s people. Then they will clearly see that they are gaining far more than they are losing. (Mr 10:29, 30) You too will find joy as you see Jehovah’s family increase.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION HELP YOUR BIBLE STUDENTS TO AVOID BAD ASSOCIATIONS, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What are bad associations?​—1Co 15:33

• How did Jade imagine what a Christian gathering would be like?

• How did Neeta help Jade to replace bad associations?

Initial Calla

Question: How do we know that God cares about us as individuals?

Scripture: Mt 10:29-31

Link: How does God help us to cope with present problems?

FIND THIS SCRIPTURE IN THE TEACHING TOOLBOX:

• 

  wp18.3 4

Return Visitb

Question: How does God help us to cope with present problems?

Scripture: Jer 29:11

Link: How can the Bible guide us?

FIND THIS SCRIPTURE IN THE TEACHING TOOLBOX:

• 

  lffi lesson 02 point 1